Multi-Tank Dishwasher Backwash Filtration for Continuous Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-tank dishwashers face issues with dirt accumulation on sieve plates in washing zones, leading to increased dirt content in washing water, which reduces cleaning capacity and requires frequent water changes, increasing operational and environmental costs. Existing solutions for single-chamber dishwashers cannot be easily adapted for continuous operation in multi-tank systems, causing interruptions during filter cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A backwash device reverses the washing water flow through a fine filter without interrupting the washing operation, using a backwash pump and sewage pump to remove accumulated dirt from the filter wall, allowing for simultaneous backwash and wash operations, and reducing the need for additional water and cleaning agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sieve plates with hole diameters of 2 mm to 4 mm are used to filter washing water, then dirt is filtered out, but the filtered dirt remains on the sieve plates and is not actively removed, increasing dirt content in washing water over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reverse flow backwashing where washing water is pumped through the sieve plate in the opposite direction to normal flow. This inversion of flow direction lifts accumulated dirt from the sieve surface and transports it to a collection container, actively removing filtration residues that would otherwise degrade washing water quality over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-cleaning of the sieve plates by utilizing the washing water circulation system itself. The backwashing function is integrated into the existing water circulation infrastructure, allowing the filter to clean itself without external intervention or additional cleaning systems.
2Reliability
If rinsing-clear water supply to washing zone is increased to counteract dirt content, then cleaning capacity is maintained, but cleaning agent consumption and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by monitoring the dirt content in washing water and automatically activating backwashing when thresholds are exceeded. This feedback mechanism maintains optimal washing water quality by removing accumulated dirt before it significantly impacts cleaning performance, eliminating the need for continuous dilution with additional rinsing-clear water and cleaning agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The backwashing function performs preliminary cleaning of the sieve plates before dirt accumulation significantly degrades washing water quality. By proactively removing filtration residues at scheduled intervals or when sensors detect threshold levels, the system prevents dirt buildup that would otherwise necessitate increased rinsing-clear water and cleaning agent usage.
3Manufacturing precision
If sieve plates are cleaned by stopping washing operation, then filter action is improved, but machine stoppages increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The backwashing function is designed to operate independently from the washing cycle, allowing sieve plate cleaning to occur during or between washing operations without interrupting the main washing process. The pump system can reverse flow through the sieve plates while washing continues in other zones or with different batches, maintaining continuous productive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic backwashing at predetermined intervals or when sensor-triggered thresholds are reached. This periodic maintenance approach keeps the sieve plates in optimal condition through regular cleaning cycles while minimizing disruption to washing operations, balancing filter performance with production continuity.
4Reliability
If washing water is changed frequently to maintain cleaning capacity, then dirt content is reduced, but water consumption and heating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to monitor dirt content in washing water and activates backwashing only when predetermined thresholds are exceeded. This feedback-controlled approach extends the usable life of washing water by maintaining filter effectiveness, reducing the frequency of complete water changes while ensuring cleaning capacity is preserved.
Solution Approach 2:
The backwashing function performs preliminary removal of dirt accumulation before it reaches levels that would necessitate complete water replacement. By continuously maintaining sieve plate permeability through periodic reverse flow cleaning, the system preserves washing water quality and extends water usage cycles, reducing overall water consumption and associated heating costs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution improves filter action, reduces water and cleaning agent consumption, minimizes machine stoppages, and maintains continuous washing operations by actively cleaning the fine filter without interrupting the wash cycle, thus reducing personnel and heating costs.
Implementation Method 1
a backwash pump (162) for reversing a washing water flow direction through the at least one fine filter (142)
Implementation Method 2
a sewage pump (160) for pumping washing water from the at least one dirty water space (152) through a sewage line (168)
Implementation Method 3
at least one fine filter (142) introduced into the at least one filter housing (124)
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-tank dishwashers are used, in particular, industrially, in order to clean items which are to be washed. The invention relates to a multi-tank dishwasher which is provided with a washing area. The washing area comprises at least one rinsing water storage tank, at least one filter housing, at least one fine filter and at least one backwash device. In the normal mode, a filter wall of the at least one fine filter is cross flown in the direction from a waste water chamber to a pure water chamber. In order to clean the fine filter, the multi-tank dishwasher can be operated in a backwashing mode, without interrupting the washing process. In said backwashing mode, a cross-flow of the at least one filter wall of the rinsing water is reversed by using a backwash pump and a waste water pump. Dirt particles, which are located on the inner side of the filter wall, are rinsed off and are removed by the waste water pump in the waste water outlet.